Simple queston: Does a high PSA level of say 11, always mean cancer?!
Question: My husband had a biopsy but we are still waiting for the results. The pathologist has sent it to another pathologist for a second opinion. Why? What does that mean? Anyway, has anyone ever heard of some having a PSA level this high and not having cancer? I appreciate any answer.
Answers: My husband had a biopsy but we are still waiting for the results. The pathologist has sent it to another pathologist for a second opinion. Why? What does that mean? Anyway, has anyone ever heard of some having a PSA level this high and not having cancer? I appreciate any answer.
Has he had a baseline PSA done before? If the 11 is significantly highter than his baseline, then that would be cause for alarm. As far as a second opinion, I think that most physicians would want to confirm their suspicions prior to making a diagnosis such as malignant prostate tumor. Or, maybe the pathologist didn't have any findings consistant with a diagnosis of malignant tumor, so he is confused as to why the PSA would be elevated. At any rate, good luck and keep in mind that there are many treatments available for that type of problem and many men have it treated and are able to return to a normal, healthy life.
nothing always means anything
A high PSA level such as 11, does NOT always equate to having cancer. The normal value may vary among assays. But values above 4mcg/L are considered abnormal. On the other hand, normal PSA values does not exclude cancer. "PSA evaluation was never intended to serve as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer but is useful in helping to identify men in whom a prostate biopsy would be appropriate."
There is no cause for alarm regarding the pathologist sending the sample for second opinion. Just take it as it is. It's just one doctor seeking the opinion of another.
It is possible to have elevated PSA levels, even as high as 11, in benign conditions such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, presence of an indwelling catheter, hepatitis A, etc.
i wish you and your husband the best.
I will try to make it really simple to you.PSA can be elevated in ANY prostate diseases.Some times the prostate can be enlarged which is very common and as a result of that you get elevated PSA.Some times you can get slightly elevated PSA and the prostate is completely normal.The diagnosis is confirmed is only made after a biopsy if its just benign or malignant.
Its normal for the medical staff to get second onpinions.Goodluck :)
I'm so sorry.
From what I've learnt, the PSA is a percentage of cancer cells that are free in the blood stream. - I could be wrong - it's so hard getting a straight answer sometimes.
I have a hard time believing that you can have a high PSA and not have cancer. God I hope I'm wrong.
My dad (59yo) has 4th stage prostate cancer. He went for a standard PSA test 1 year before he had symptoms and it was clear.
6 months later, fatigue and stomach pains drove him to have further tests. He was then diagnosed with fourth stage Prostate Cancer - over 40 tumors in the skeletal system. It is terminal....apparently one of the most painfull cancers you can die from. He was a teacher. He specialised in helping minority groups from war ravaged areas learn English and develop social skills. He is the most beautiful human being I know.
Sorry